In an age of devices for learning the inevitable fact lies that Technology does support student learning yet the question remains whether students should bring their own devices to school or school authorities should provide the devices for learning . School management often debates that the safety of these devices is an issue and also managing cyber security is also an issues ? where as the young and the exploring want to practise new innovative methods that facilitate learning . In such a dillemma the ownership of getting devices should lie in one of the two . So what do you vote for Student BYOD or School HYOD - Have your own devices ???

A very interesting topic for debate. Any device is better for learning if it is used judiciously in classroom and by learner. One should understand the efficacy of device as a tool for learning and not as everything which will make things happen by itself.

It is a hidden truth that when one uses his own resource it gives him a sense of belonging, utter joy and confidence of doing by oneself. This definitely improves the learning curve. But with costs of devices still not in range of every parent it will be an extra push on parents' pocket.

Hopefully in near future with technology advancement and cheaper technologies coming will see more of BYOD in pattern.

Thank you Anoop for a very thoughtful reply . in reflection to your question should IT companies have a devic at a reasonable cost for school going students ? How could companies be motivated to provide the same to the students so that every parent is able to provide a learning device to their children .

One important factor which actually ensures the success of technology in classroom in whatever form is 'school readiness towards technology integration'. The question is 'Are our schools prepared for such kind of integration?' School managements, administrators and most important 'Teachers' are they prepared & ready to take this revolution in classrooms. Whether BYOD or any other mechanism is implemented it will only have any productivity when teaches first start implementing it with themselves. Teachers should setup the trend by first carrying their own machines in classrooms and using it with students. Then gradually the other mechanism will fall in place.

I agree that a tablet is the way to go. I support BYOB for those who can provide and then district money/adoptors can support those who can not afford a device. There is a big gap in those with and without, let's close the gap and support all.

I see a few students in my school who BYOD. Those with cell phones sometimes will use their device and data to check facts or Google questions. Those who bring Tablets tend to use the devices to participate in doing assignments. I think the difference is whether the apps on the device require connectivity or can be used without requiring a data plan. Many of my students have parents who cannot afford data plans but can give their child an "older device." As teachers, perhaps we should consider how we allow or ask these devices to be used in a way that does not impact additional costs to parents.

Thank you all for your great inputs . We as an organisation are still debating on this topic . Few teachers have said that schools should provide for uniformity and standardization ,while other say students should bring as they become responsible for the device and will be able to use it as a learning tool at home also .

I know when there are 2 students to one device, they must collaborate and work together. I have enjoyed seeing how they help one another with projects. dougemints and JulieSzaj may have more information about how best to use 1 device for every two students.

We use a lot of 2:1, 1:1, and 4:1. All of these work well and suite varying needs.

In 2:1 it is perfect when you use a teaching style of "dividing" and conquer. Perhaps one student is doing the hands-on work while the other is holding the device to take pictures, do research, record an experiment, or take notes.

When using 2:1 it is important to divide the labour and to rotate responsibilities. You don't want the same student always to be using the "tech" and the other watching. Both responsibilities must be important, vital, and interesting.

Just to hand two students a device and expect them to figure out the best ways to divide the usage is not always best.

dougemints in my classroom I regularly call out "musical chairs!" This instruction means the device is left at its location and both students must get up and switch chairs. This is a way I try to monitor how often a students watches a peer at the device.

Allowing students to bring their own device can help with funding and insure that students have a device for classroom use. Because the iPad does not use flash, sites requiring flash can not be used. I prefer the PC because I have fewer limitations when using Internet resources.

I would like to mention that School Must provide device, in this way School can maintain the course demonstration set-up loaded in prior to delivering the lecture, this should reflects the speech of teacher to the student more descriptive.

In the earlier days the teachers described his narration by following a prescribed books on that course, thus to follow the class lecture students have to carry tons of books on their shoulder. this has an ill effect on the health of student and which are also agreed by researchers.

The price of the printed books going high today hence to procure lot of copies in the school library where same book on same subject by the same author will be reduced because it will be unnecessary to distribute books to student to carry home for their study.

Though the investment in the beginning will thus slightly increased due to implement gadget oriented system over the classical method of library management but will not burden financially student ; because of less spaced library, repeated torn-out book replacement or repairing as well as not arrangement of reading room;student can review the notes anywhere they feel comfortable.

There is also other advantage that student login to communicate to the class teacher or guide about the note through internet at any time without a personal move to their guide.

There will also another a good achievement in student habit can be earned by remembering them to use the offered "device in proper manner", this habit makes them a good responsible user of electronic device in future of their walk in life.

If we are trying to empower students, we could move towards BYOD. This would allow them the comfort and the facilitator the goal of moving to cloud resources where collaboration and team work can be easier. Students could move forward to Bloom's creative phase and work towards mastery learning.

holmesg I agree that BYOD could empower students. I think much of this power will come as teachers recognize and invite use of such devices in the classroom. I know some teachers who worry if their students are not all doing the exact same thing and getting the same answers. I just started an email discussion on this topic and got major support from curriculum leaders at my school. I hope to see change (but I will be patient!)

Thank you for your valuable contribution to the better understanding on this topic and for the practical insights gained through experience . I liked the way you all have articulated your experiences and thoughts to help me gain a 360 degree perspective making room for greater discussion on the way schools should look at procuring tablets. What I have learnt it it will certainly give ownership of responsibility( be it learning or device ) to students if they bring their own device.But the challenge still remains generating finances to buy the devices and maintain them . As the schools we have cater to a clientele where few can buy devices and financial viability of schools are limited.

Coming to learning while using the tablet myself I realized it is an excellent tool for students for learning as it fosters exploration, fulfills curiosity and exemplifies creativity!

Well it could be a combination of resources. Children of a lesser age would perhaps be better of with an IPAD like device as it is simpler to use with an easy interface. However, for senior classes it is better perhaps to use a laptop as it is dynamic and flexible . There are various qualities available. Like again for the junior section, the school could be the resource provider. Where as for senior school could leave it upto the discretion of the students. However, those who cannot afford the same could be provided by the school.

Any device for that matter. In most of Indian schools, it would be good if system is provided, but equally there has to be some sort of encouragement to "Own A Device". Carrying a device is again a matter of practice, and buying is definitely a priority.

I would first love to see Teachers and Teacher-Educators owning it for their professional support in the classroom.

Using technology in the classroom is to be left at the judicious discretion of the teachers.